The Rebels played the final quarter of the game with 14 men and came under late pressure from Dublin, but it wasn't until the third minute of injury time after the Metropolitans bagged a second goal, through Mark Grogan, by which time the outcome was already decided.

Brian Turnbull of Cork in action against Lee Gannon of Dublin. Photo: Sportsfile

While Cork were without Evan Sheehan, two-goal hero in the Munster final, Turnbull picked up the mantle and was a constant thorn in Dublin's side. Though 11 of his points were frees, many were won himself, while midfield duo Daire Connery and Brian Roche also processed a lot of ball.

Dublin's attacking star turn was full-forward Seán Currie, whose two early points put them 0-2 to 0-1 in front, but Cork responded with six scores in a row to assume a lead they would not relinquish.

Diarmuid Linehan and Ger Millerick joined Turnbull in extending that advantage to 0-11 to 0-4 as half-time approached but just before the break Eoghan O'Neill struck with a kicked effort to keep Dublin in touch.

Connery's third started the second half on a good note for Cork and though Dublin won a penalty goalkeeper Conor O'Donoghue put his effort wide.

Turnbull (three) and Connery extended the lead as Grogan got Dublin's only score in response. Liam Murphy's free brought Dublin to within seven, 0-17 to 1-7, and then Cork suffered a blow as full-forward Robert Downey was sent off on a second booking.

Frees from Currie brought Dublin closer and he might have got in for a goal but for good defending by Millerick, but Turnbull was on hand to add points as Cork ensured they kept their opponents at arm's length.

Turnbull's 12th in the 62nd minute made it 0-22 to 1-13 to ensure they wouldn't be beaten, but Dublin had a glimmer of hope when Grogan touched Currie's delivery to the net.

From the puckout though, Turnbull secured possession and, off balance out on the left, he split the posts with a magnificent effort to set up a final meeting against Galway.